Capstone English Language Learners Portfolio

Abstract

This capstone portfolio demonstrates my professional knowledge and teaching
competence of how to best serve English language learners (ELL) to help them improve their
English ability and also learn together with them. I analyze my past two-year work and
reflect upon the knowledge and practice that a qualified ELL teacher needs to possess in
order to support students’ learning and maximize their potentials.
The portfolio contains three parts: 1) statement of teaching philosophy 2) Analysis of
artifacts 3) implication for future teaching. In the first part, I synthesize across Vygotsky’s
zone of proximal development theory, Jim Cummin’s language interdependence theory, and
culturally responsive teaching approach. Combining with my understanding of language
teaching and learning, I discuss how these theories and frameworks influence me to build my
own teaching philosophy and belief. In the second part, I reflect on the artifacts that I have
created during my two-year study in Peabody College, and align them with the TESOL
standards to show my competence as an ELL teacher in different domains. In each domain, I
specifically focus on learners, learning environment, curriculum, and assessment. In the third
section, I reflect upon my two-tear learning experience in ELL program and identify my
direction for my future teaching and continued professional development.